Spine · Decompression & Fusion
Spondylolisthesis
A spinal condition where one vertebra slips forward over another, causing back pain, stiffness and leg pain or weakness. Treated with decompression and spinal fusion.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What is Spondylolisthesis?
Spondylolisthesis occurs when one vertebra slips forward over the one below, due to defects in pars interarticularis, degenerative arthritis or trauma. It causes lower back pain, stiffness, leg pain, hamstring tightness and sometimes neurological weakness — most often involving the L4–L5 or L5–S1 spinal levels. Dr. Bathini Hithesh treats spondylolisthesis using decompression with fusion, restoring stability, relieving nerve compression and pain.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- Defects in pars interarticularis
- Degenerative arthritis of facet joints
- Repetitive hyperextension during sports
- Trauma or spinal fracture
- Family history of spine defects
- Age-related degeneration of spine
CLINICAL DETAILS
KeyFacts
Isthmic, degenerative, traumatic, dysplastic and pathologic spondylolisthesis
X-ray and MRI confirming slip grade and nerve compression
Physiotherapy and bracing tried first for mild Grade I cases
Fusion surgery typically takes 120–180 minutes
Walking next day, full recovery in 8–12 weeks
Cashless approval available with most major insurers
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
Decompression with Fusion
Dr. Hithesh performs decompression with pedicle screw fusion — including TLIF and PLIF techniques — to stabilise the slipped vertebra, decompress nerves and provide reliable long-term relief from back and leg pain.
- 1
Detailed Evaluation
Dr. Hithesh examines neurological signs and gait, supported by X-rays and MRI to confirm slip grade, level and nerve compression.
- 2
Conservative Care
Physiotherapy, bracing, pain medications and lifestyle changes are first tried for mild Grade I spondylolisthesis cases without weakness.
- 3
Surgical Stabilisation
Decompression with pedicle screw fusion or interbody fusion is performed for higher grades, instability or persistent neurological symptoms.
- 4
Structured Recovery
Walking begins next day with progressive physiotherapy, achieving full strength and return to routine within eight to twelve weeks.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
Treatment Options
Decompression with Posterolateral Fusion and Pedicle Screw Fixation
Decompression of compressed nerves combined with screw-rod fusion stabilising slipped vertebra, relieving pain and preventing further slippage.
Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF)
Fusion using cage and screws inserted through side corridor, correcting alignment, decompressing nerves and stabilising slipped segment.
Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF)
Traditional posterior approach placing interbody cages and pedicle screws, restoring disc height, alignment and long-term spinal stability.
Direct Pars Repair (Buck's Screw)
Motion-preserving procedure repairing fractured pars with screw, ideal for young patients with isthmic spondylolisthesis and minimal slippage.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
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